Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
Access Control
Campus Access
Embargo Period
5-6-2014
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Family Nurse Practioner
Year Degree Awarded
2014
Month Degree Awarded
May
Keywords
cultural competency, LGBT, health, primary care, providers, education
Advisor
Emma Dundon
DNP Project Chair
Emma Dundon
DNP Project Member Name
Joan Roche
DNP Project Outside Member Name
Lauren Clark
Abstract
Although recent efforts continue to improve the status of those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, individuals and families continue to suffer from discrimination and stigma in their everyday lives. Such experiences have both direct and indirect effects on the health of LGBT individuals leading to existing health disparities. As a result, a new impetus has developed to improve the quality of care by addressing the gap in LGBT health. Increasing cultural competency is one method by which to improve care and health outcomes. Using current evidence, an educational program was developed to promote the cultural competency of healthcare providers. The program was designed based on The Process of Cultural Competence in the Delivery of Healthcare Services, a theoretical framework by Dr. Campinha-Bacote (2013b). It was then implemented in three types of primary care practices, each in a culturally different geographic area - one in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the other two in the State of Georgia. The goal of the program was to increase the level of LGBT cultural competency among participating healthcare care providers as well as increased awareness and perceived practice value for other health care staff. This educational program showed positive results in improving the level of cultural competency of healthcare providers in all three settings and received high participant ratings with regard to practice value and willingness to recommend. Some differences among groups also provided information for further program development.
Keywords: cultural, competency, LGBT, health, primary care, providers, education
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